Leaders are constantly subjected to the latest leadership trend and fad, which can add stress and anxiety from the expectation of adjusting to fit the style of the time.
Studying and applying long-standing principles will give you clarity and a model of high success to emulate. Principle-based leadership will also fortify you from the inside out, increase your self-confidence and significantly improve your leadership ability and likeability. Consider adopting a few of these principles and watch your life will improve for the best.
The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.
Well stated.
If you don’t sow, you don’t reap. You don’t even have a chance.
We get back what we put out. If you are in a constant state of negativity, you will attract more of that in your life. If you can’t find a mentor or someone to assist you with getting to the next level, ask yourself what have you done for others lately. The easiest way to solve your problem is to assist someone with solving a similar problem and yours will disappear.
Some people have so given up on life, they’ve joined the Thank God It’s Friday Club. How sad.
According to Gallup, nearly 87 percent of people worldwide go to jobs every day that they don’t like. People deplore Mondays, celebrate Hump Day and drive like maniacs on Friday to get home or their favorite watering hole; only to start the cycle again a few days later.
What’s stopping you from pursuing something you are passionate about? It’s time to revisit the dreams you had for yourself when you were a kid and go after them. Reinvest your TV time into causes and organizations that bring you joy. We all have a limited time here, so each day is a gift to make a difference in the lives of others.
Related Article: To Infinity & Beyond: Harnessing the Power of Positive Thinking
If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.
Earl Nightengale said, “People with goals succeed because they know where they are going. It’s as simple as that.”
Do you have a vision for what you want your life to look like five years from now; personally and professionally? If not, you are sitting on the passenger side of life and someone else is doing the driving. Not having a plan can leave you lost, stressed, with anxiety or suffering from depression because you aren’t happy about the results you are getting. Get into the driver’s seat of your life and go into the direction you desire.
Everyday stand guard at the door of your mind.
Your life and the way you feel about yourself and others is largely based on your environment. We are what we eat, but we are also what we feed our brains.
Consider turning off the TV and read books relevant to achieving your goals. Turn your car into a personal development university by listening to audiobooks during your commute. For every challenge you have (money, relationships, self-confidence, depression, anxiety), there is a book offering insight.
Many people work harder on their job than they do their future.
While seeking to get to the next level professionally, many high achievers sacrifice personal development for professional development. Developing yourself personally expands your awareness and understanding of self, so if something happens to your job, you won’t feel like your future is ruined and will be more likely to move into another position with ease.
Spend five minutes complaining and you’ve wasted five.
It takes more energy to complain about a problem than it does to take action to solve it. One keeps you in a state of negativity and the other creates positive energy. Surprisingly, most people have solutions to the problems that they complain about. If it’s your workplace, offer a solution to your boss and request permission to implement your recommendations. You’ll make yourself stand out amongst your co-workers and develop a reputation as a problem solver.
Related Article: 4 Business Owners Weigh In: What's The ONE Thing Most Critical to Success?
Some people lead such mediocre lives they don’t know if they are winning or losing.
Even if you are deemed successful by way of position, your life can be considered mediocre if you aren’t happy. People who proudly say they have “Golden Handcuffs” fit into this category. Houses, cars and other material possession have become more important than living a fulfilled life. They can’t see that the house they thought would make them happy has become an anchor and is the very thing that makes them go to a job they hate; wasting precious time. Is this you?
If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.
Leaders are relentless in finding solutions to challenges. This is what separates people who achieve high levels of success and those who remain stagnate. Find creative ways to solve common issues in your organization and you’ll soon find yourself moving up.
You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
This is true for income, weight, education, etc. Evaluate your inner circle and know that if you want to shift your life, you need to find a new circle. Go to Meetup.com and meet/network with new people.
Some people don’t do well because they major in the minor things.
The Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) has wide application - 20 percent of your efforts create 80 percent of your results. Also, 80 percent of your efforts create 20 percent of your results. Are you spending the majority of your time creating minimal results? Evaluate what constitutes your 20 percent and concentrate your efforts on what gets you the best return.